ORP question....

[bdare]

Hey all,

For awhile I was considering running Ozone on my tank. It's my understanding that ozone is typically controlled by ORP and that most would turn off their ozone reactor when their ORP reaches about 400. For the past week or so, my tank has been sitting around 415-420. Does that mean my tank is too clean? Should I feed more? At the moment I'm happy I didn't kick down the loot for the ozone equipment....

Thanks in advance!

Ben

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

It may or may not be accurate, but ORP is never too high if not adding oxidizers, and ORP is not a measure of the cleanliness of the water. In general, ORP is not very useful except to control ozone.

This has more:

ORP and the Reef Aquarium
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-12/rhf/feature/index.htm

 

[bdare]

It may or may not be accurate, but ORP is never too high if not adding oxidizers, and ORP is not a measure of the cleanliness of the water. In general, ORP is not very useful except to control ozone.

This has more:

ORP and the Reef Aquarium
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-12/rhf/feature/index.htm

Thanks Randy. I've read that article. Just curious how my ORP could be reading so high without adding any oxidizers. This is a brand new probe which has been in my system for about 6 weeks now. I'd assume the break in period is over so it should be relatively accurate.

The probe IS in the fuge section of my sump. Not sure if that would make a difference.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Is it lit? Algae growing on ORP probes can make them read too high.

 

[bdare]

Is it lit? Algae growing on ORP probes can make them read too high.

Fuge is lit at night, but I just turned the light on so I could take this pic to show my probes...
Ph ORP and temp

 

[Zoodiver]

I would say you have a false reading.
If your tank is clear and you don't have disease issues, there's not really good reason to spend the money on ozone injection.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Try removing what look like a pH and ground probe and see if the value changes at all. There is something called a ground loop that can interfere with readings in some situations.

http://www.murphyanddickey.com/GL908.pdf

 

[bdare]

Try removing what look like a pH and ground probe and see if the value changes at all. There is something called a ground loop that can interfere with readings in some situations.

http://www.murphyanddickey.com/GL908.pdf

AHH!!! Good idea Randy! I'll try that!

 

[hedgedrew]

clean it in vinegar or peroxide and toothbrush scrub and bath it will go down